Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 23

Daniel was practically bubbling over with excitement.

Camila Davis frowned a little, just about to politely decline his invitation, when suddenly, she felt Lillian let go of her hand. Before Camila could react, the little girl was already making a beeline for Daniel and his pile of toys.

Camila blinked, confused.

Hadn’t Lillian just said she didn’t want to play with him?

Her eyes instinctively followed the toddler’s hurried steps—and then Camila understood.

Among all the toys Sandra Taylor’s son had brought, there was a plush pink fox.

It was Lillian’s absolute favorite.

Just a few days ago, Daniel had barged into Lillian’s playroom and ended up ripping and dirtying her cherished fox plushie. Camila, worried that her daughter would be heartbroken if she saw it in that state, had quickly hidden it away to be mended and cleaned. The poor thing was still drying out, waiting to be returned.

But here—right in front of them—was a brand new fox, identical in every way.

Lillian dashed over and hugged the pink fox to her chest with a look of pure joy, the kind that made it clear just how much she loved it.

Daniel saw her beaming and immediately hurried over, announcing proudly, “I broke Lillian’s fox the other day, so I picked out a new one just for her! See, Lillian really likes the little fox I brought her!”

As he spoke, he turned to Jordan Smith, his face lit up with hope for praise. “She really likes it, right?”

Lillian didn’t answer, totally absorbed with the plush fox in her arms.

Daniel grinned, holding out the apples for Jordan to see. “It’s a gift! Mom said you should never visit someone empty-handed, so I brought apples. I want to make apple juice for Lillian—maybe she’ll like me more if I do. She barely looked at me when I gave her the toys...”

His voice trailed off a little, sounding genuinely disappointed.

Jordan’s expression softened. “You don’t have to do it yourself, Daniel. Camila or one of the staff can take care of it.”

Camila, who’d been nearby, immediately stepped forward to help. But Daniel dodged her outstretched hand and insisted, all innocence and determination, “It’s okay! I want to do it myself. It’s more sincere that way. Uncle Jordan, Camila, you guys can wait outside—I’ll be quick!”

Jordan exchanged a glance with Camila, shrugged, and said, “Alright, just be careful.”

Then he let Daniel be, watching him with a mix of amusement and curiosity.